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Rick Scott delays US Senate swearing-in ceremony

Rick Scott's office said Tuesday that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to hold Scott's ceremony on Jan. 8, the day his term ends.

Credit: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

Gov. Rick Scott greets people during his election night party on Nov. 6, 2018, at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. Governor Scott defeated Sen. Bill Nelson for the Florida Senate seat.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott will delay his swearing-in ceremony as a U.S. senator so he can complete his term.

Scott's office said Tuesday that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to hold Scott's ceremony on Jan. 8, the day his term ends. Other senators elected in November will be sworn in Jan. 3.

Scott spokesman John Tupps said Scott made a commitment to serve Florida every day of his term.

If Scott chose to be sworn in on the designated day, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera would have served as governor for five days.

Scott is finishing his second term as governor. He defeated three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in last month's election.

Related: Florida to have 2 Republican senators for the first time since the Reconstruction era

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